The Namibia Economist

Promote community tourism - Pohamba

President Hifikepunye Pohamba has called on the promotion of more community-based tourism initiatives at regional level such as the Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, saying that such initiatives will attract more tourists to the SADC Region.
According to Pohamba, the tourism industry has been identified as one of the fastest growing industries in the world and in Southern Africa. The industry has grown significantly and has contributed enormously to government’s efforts to address high levels of unemployment. He said that positive spin-offs and benefits for tourism will result through community-based initiatives.
Pohamba made the remarks on Tuesday this week during the official talks with King Mswati II of the Kingdom of Swaziland. Echoing Pohamba’s remarks, King Mswati believes that promotion of the tourism industry in the region can go a long way to help the people adding that a vibrant co-operation between the two countries can exist as Swaziland has great potential in tourism. “Our peaceful environment and our rich cultural heritage is a draw card for attracting tourists into the Kingdom. Our country is blessed with flora and fauna and undulating landscapes,” he said.
King Mswati II welcomed foreign direct investment in the tourism sector and hopes that the two countries will be able to identify areas of cooperation in tourism and environmental protection. Pohamba emphasised the fact that Namibia was also ready to cooperate with Swaziland in management of natural resources, including environmental protection and conservation. He said that another economic sector with the potential of generating income is the inland fisheries, stating that the country has introduced aquaculture projects and wished to explore the possibilities of sharing experiences and cooperation in this specific area with Swaziland.
Apart from tourism, the two heads of states also agreed to co-operate on a variety of sectors such as trade and investment, agriculture, arts and culture and fisheries amongst others. During his state visit, King Mswati II paid a site visit to the Ohorongo Cement factory in Otavi and is expected to visit the Seawork Fish Processors, NamPort and Salt Refiners in Walvis Bay. He is scheduled to visit Dune 7 on Saturday.

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